Probably like many of you, our school year is looking a little - actually, a lot - different in 2020-2021, and our book club is among the elements of our learning plan that have changed drastically. We're no longer meeting at a cute little coffee shop and enjoying hot cocoa or a cookie as we… Continue reading The Secret of Goldenrod Book Club
13 Spooky Middle Grade Chapter Books
One of my favorite ways to celebrate Halloween is with a read aloud that helps us get a good spine tingle or step into a spooky atmosphere via our imaginations. Here are 13 middle grade book selections that fit the bill, all perfect for read alouds or independent reading. (This post contains affiliate links. Clicking… Continue reading 13 Spooky Middle Grade Chapter Books
What to Do After All About Reading
First of all, congratulations! I know from my own experience that completing the All About Reading program with a child is a huge accomplishment, both for the child and for you. That level 4 certificate represents countless hours of hard work and struggle that you and your child conquered. But now what? Especially for kids… Continue reading What to Do After All About Reading
I Got the Curriculum. Now What?
The box of curriculum is finally here! You spent countless hours researching, comparing, and considering all of the options out there. But now what? How do you turn this pile of shiny-covered tomes into actual, productive learning with your kids? Don't worry. You'll get there, and I've got some easy, actionable steps to help you.… Continue reading I Got the Curriculum. Now What?
My Top 10 Reads for Mama from 2019
When I set up this blog, I had every intention of making frequently updated book recommendations for young readers, teen readers, and mama readers. Sadly, the pages under those tabs have been "under construction" since I started this blog three years ago. Ahem. All signs are pointing to me not being capable of keeping up… Continue reading My Top 10 Reads for Mama from 2019
5th Grade Curriculum and Routine
This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on them costs you nothing and helps to support this blog. Thank you! Our Morning Routine We do these things in this order because it's what works for us. If any part of it doesn't suit you or your kids, it is OKAY to do things differently. Even if… Continue reading 5th Grade Curriculum and Routine
Get Your Kids Hooked on Books with Netflix
I know a thing or two about struggling readers, both as a classroom teacher and as a mom, and one of my favorite tools for helping kids delve into reading is offering it up as a way to get more interaction with a current obsession. Sometimes that means putting a car magazine in the hands… Continue reading Get Your Kids Hooked on Books with Netflix
The Summer of Strewing
Summer camp is cancelled. The library's summer program is online this year. The pool is closed. What are we going to do with these kids this summer? I wish so much that I could change the state of the world and forge ahead with a fun, traditional summer. But I can't. And more than anything… Continue reading The Summer of Strewing
4th Grade Read Alouds
This year my kids took on the work of bedtime reading themselves, so our count of read aloud books isn't what it used to be. I'm not too sad about it, though, because the fact that my kids have turned into people who require a book to read by the light of a bedside lamp… Continue reading 4th Grade Read Alouds
The City of Ember Book Club
I like to start book club meetings with a warm-up activity. It helps break the ice, helps get everyone's thoughts centered on the book, and sets the scene for a good time. This time we played a simple game of Who Said It? Warm-Up - Who Said It? To play Who Said It?, I wrote… Continue reading The City of Ember Book Club
The Language Arts Coach 